ideal weight of a male gsd - Page 1

what should be the weight of an ideal gsd of close to 2 years? if less, what diet is suggested to sustain good size? I am also having trouble with my gsd's skin. He seems to be scratching most of the times but I dont see any signs of any rashes or itch but still he scratches. His skin seems to b dry. Any remedies?

This should be a hot topic with many different opinions. IMO the proper weight depends on the dog itself. Some will insist a dog fall within the proper standards. I have a very intense personal protection dog with Cello in his 2nd. He weighs 68lbs. For him thats his proper weight. Now if he is after you, he looks like he weighs 200lbs. I have an oversized son of Yasko who weighs 105. He is exceptionally fast and agile for a dog his size, so for him that is his proper weight. Regarding the coat and scratching, I would first get a scraping done to rule out anything serious. Of course everyone will come out with many different oil therapy. I know those who give Salmon oil and Flax oil together. One handler I know gives his dog a can of tuna in soy oil mixed in the dog's kibble daily. I prefer the Flax seed. Some wont like and scream allergy, but, Flax seed contains lignans that have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds have the richest source of lignans, 100 times more than the next best source, wheat bran. The majority of lignans is found in the seed, giving it an advantage over flax oil. Flax seed also contains lecithin which emulsifies fat and cholesterol. These little seeds improve digestion, help stabilize blood glucose levels, fight tumor formation and enhance cardiovascular health. Never purchase premade, ground flax. Grind your own flax seeds fresh in a coffee grinder and feed immediately, or store in a tight container in the fridge. I also give my grown males a shot of Ivomec, to rid worms and parasites. I give 1cc sub Q. Mix a cc of cold water with the ivomec as it burns.

The only way I could recommend giving flax seed oil is if it is ground right there and given immediately. Flax seed oil oxidizes very rapidly and loses its nutritional value with that oxidation. It is used as a filler in most oil supplements because it's cheap to purchase.

When my first GSD developed lymphosarcoma and had chemo, the oncologist recommended flax seed oil. Some think it helps dogs fight cancer and I was up to trying anything. I purchased it at a local health food store in the refrigerated section. A dog that scratches constantly may very well have inhaltion (or food) allergies. GSD's seem to be prone to allergies. You might want to take him to a verterinary dermatologist and have him skin tested if it doesn't ease up. Dry skin can cause atopy and allergies can cause dry skin. Secondary bacterial infections are not uncommon.